The city of Roth is a bustling city. During the day, people can be seen walking about lazily. Soaking in the beauty of the day, or maybe deep in thought that they barely pay attention to those around them. Couples can be seen holding hands and laughing, or mothers seen with strollers taking their little ones on a small adventure around the local park. Others can be seen walking with a determined step. Maybe there's a big presentation or maybe they're rushing to arrive at the local bakery before all of the breakfast croissants are sold out. Or it could be that they're running late and will most likely miss the next train to the other side of the city for work. The large crowds move in any direction, each person carrying out their duties of the day.
At night, the city really comes alive. A group of office workers can be seen laughing and talking excitedly about their day. They are happy the day is over and ready to go to the bar to entertain a bottle or two of liquor. Across the street, there's a young couple on their first date exchanging awkward introductions. Further down three blocks, there's a small group of friends walking and laughing at a joke that one of the others just made.
Roth seemed like a normal city. Except it wasn't. Most people weren't concerned with thoughts of demons and spirits. It's just a legend, a myth. And even if they were real, surely, they'll be protected. After all, there are organizations that perform exorcisms, so of course, they are safe! They even have temples occupied by the Spiritualists. The Spiritualists are supposed to be a powerful group of humans with great spiritual powers. Thousands of years ago, they were great in number and due to their immense spiritual powers, many of them ascended into Heaven and became gods!
Though…that was many years ago. Now the number of Spiritualists dwindled to a small number. Many had broken off into different sects to focus on their chosen cultivation paths. These sects were extremely strict, and due to the harshness of the overseers of these sects, they were now seen as more of a pariah to a lot of the people in the city. They secluded themselves in the outskirts of the city and did not conform to modern times. Instead, they swore off technology or anything of modern convenience.
There were even those in the city that thought the Spiritualists were no more than a cult. No one had ascended in thousands of years! Why must they still cultivate? What is the point? The people are now living in peaceful times, there's no more warring lands, demons and evil spirits running amuck, even shrines were a rare sight…those days are long gone. Despite what the people of Roth thought, the Spiritualist would never stop cultivating.
Miles away from the city, stood one particular temple, nestled deep in the forest. If you didn't know what to look for, it'd be hard to find. Large stone steps ascended up the side of a steep hill. The steps were covered in weeds and moss that had grown over. Sat atop the hill, was the temple of Aeger. The temple was large and two stories high. The smooth stone on the temple had begun to crumble and was in serious need of repair. Torches lit the pathway that led to the main doors. The large oak doors were covered in thick ivy and almost obscured the door handles. Inside the temple, however, was a stark contrast to its outside appearance. The main hall inside had wooden floors that were polished to perfection. A smooth stone altar sat at the opposite side of the hall. There were several candles sitting on this altar that were lit, flickering a silent melody. The inside of the hall displayed various artwork that must have been centuries old.
The windows of the temple were also a sight to see. Large archways filled with stained glass lined the walls on either side, stretching from the main door all the way to the end of the hall. Each window contained a different picture. The glass depicted demons floating across a countryside, gods descending from the Heaven Realm with swords in hand, and humans clamoring over each other reaching for the heavens. Some glass showed an epic battle between all three. It was simply beautiful.
Normally, on an inconspicuous night like this, the great hall would be filled with the temples' Spiritualists. From disciples in training to the elders that sat at the head of this sect. However, tonight the hall was empty. Only the flittering sound of flames could be heard from the torches that hung on the walls. Beyond the hall there were large stone steps that descended into a dimly lit staircase. At the bottom of these steps was one solid door that was closed. Inside sat the sect elders and a few disciples.
The elders sat at the head of the room, four in all. Bright colored robes with uniquely stitched designs decorated their bodies. The disciples sat on cushions in front of them wearing matching plain blue robes. Each disciple wore a tense look on their faces. The tension in the room was thick due to the topic of the conversation.
"What are we to do? The presence we felt was very strange…very different!" cried one elder.
"Yes, this is quite alarming," said the one next to him. The third elder only shook his head in disbelief.
While the three elders went back and forth about the presence they felt, the fourth elder sat back and listened to their concerns. He was Head Elder Wynn. He oversaw this sect with three other elders. Together, they trained the Spiritualist disciples and helped them cultivate. The cultivation path of this particular sect was one of knowledge and wisdom.
They trained their minds along with their bodies. Spending the morning sparring for physical training, the remainder of the day was spent in meditation, attending lectures, and interpreting ancient scrolls. This sect, like many others, was extremely strict. Not only was marriage banned, but any contact with the outside world was prohibited. When one took their oath, they swore off their friends and families, leaving their former lives behind forever. These types of relationships were of the world and would hinder their cultivation.
Their cultivation path demanded immense knowledge of demons and spirits, how to destroy them, and of course obtaining enlightenment so they could ascend as gods. Knowing everything about their world was quite an arduous task. Though they could not marry, they had to be well versed in the subject of marital unions. They could not have friends from the outside but had to understand the meaning of friendship. Oddly enough, sex was not forbidden in this sect. This cultivation path was very difficult and strained the mind daily. The mental taxation had to be remedied someway. Sex not only physically strengthened the body, but it also allowed for a momentary break from the strain of training. Other sects were not as generous as this one and would not even allow for the disciples to engage in sex, lest there be extreme consequences.
Head Elder Wynn absent-mindedly rubbed his jaw with his index finger as he contemplated his fellow elder's words.
"I too, have noticed strange fluctuations of energy in the city. There are exorcisms being performed, which is to be expected, however…"
The other three elders nodded as they understood what the head elder was about to say.
"During some of these exorcisms, there's a flare in demonic energy. It's slight, but definitely an anomaly."
One elder spoke up, "Should we send some of the disciples to investigate? This would be great training for them."
"No. They are not ready. I don't want them tempted by the city and the evil that lays there," the other said in a harsh tone.
Wynn sighed and spoke, "this would actually be great training for the children, however, there is too much we do not know. It would be too great a risk for the young ones here."*
The others nodded in agreement. While some of the exorcisms were in fact performed by other Spiritualist sects, recently, there were other exorcisms where it almost seemed as if a demon had destroyed the other demon or evil spirit. Truly strange! Demons don't usually attack other demons or spirits. If they sense another with high spiritual powers or demonic energy, they leave it be or hide away.
"I think we may have to ask a favor of someone," said Elder Wynn. The other elders' faces jumped in surprise as they figured out who the head elder was referring to. Did the situation really warrant such a big favor?
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"What a movie! the ending was great!" Rin said as he walked along side Leah and Zel. It was Saturday, the planned day Rin, Zel, and Leah had agreed to watch the movie that Leah had been dying to see.
Rin didn't lie. The ending of the movie was so good that he even clapped in the theatre. Not because the movie was actually great, but Rin had only clapped because the movie was finally over. Seeing the credits roll up on the screen was the best part for him. In truth, the movie was shit. It was just as Zel had predicted earlier in the week about this particular director. For two hours Rin sat in his seat wedged between Zel and Leah and thought of various ways to take his own life. It was truly a shit film.
"Ahhh! See I told you guys that it was going to be great! I can't wait for the sequel! It was just announced. We definitely have to see that one together!" Leah said excitedly.
Maybe I'll visit a temple and pray for either a god or Spiritualist to come exorcise me, Rin thought to himself. He was willing to make Leah happy, but it was truly a miserable affair. Zel who had been silently walking beside them suddenly stopped on the sidewalk and finally spoke up.
"Leah, that was probably the worst movie that has ever been released. I've seen informercials that were directed better than this!"
Rin instinctively hummed in agreement before he caught himself and tried to cover it up with a cough.
Leah pouted and then said, "You just don't know quality movies!"
The trio continued to walk together and discuss the movie before Rin said, "do you guys want to do something else? It's still early." Zel and Leah looked at Rin and then thought about it. Zel, surprisingly, was the first to speak up.
"Why don't we go to your place, strange that we've known each other for this long, yet have never been to your home." Zel looked at Rin pointedly, not giving him room to retort.
Leah skipped to the front of Rin and began walking backwards in front of him. "That's right! I haven't seen it either! I'm kind of curious to see your place Rin."
Rin flushed. He lived in a humble abode. Although, 'humble' was putting it lightly. It was a shabby dilapidated home, and he didn't really want anyone to see it. Especially Leah, who came from a wealthy family. She probably lived in luxury. He suddenly became nervous.
"Umm, maybe next time…" Rin mumbled.
Leah, wouldn't let it go. "Come on Rin, you suggested we do something! Let's go, please!" As they continued to walk, Zel had a knowing smirk on his face. As if he was about to solve some major mystery.
Rin frowned at them and then finally caved. "Fine…"
The walk to Rin's house from the theatre wasn't long. When they turned on Rin's Street and the house came into view, Rin's face flushed again. It was truly bad. The house was two stories high and overgrown with ivy and weeds. The house probably was really nice once. But now the yard was overgrown, broken shingles hung dejectedly from the windows, and if one was to squint, they would see a various cracks in the first floor window. Rin sighed.
"Welcome home." Rin looked over to his friends to see their reactions. Leah gave the house a curious look, while Zel looked at it in disgust. Well, at least they weren't running away, Rin thought to himself as he slid the key into the lock.
Once again, as soon as Rin stepped foot into the foyer, he was rammed by two children. It was Ruru and Arty. "Rin, you're back!" Arty yelled as he and Ruru put on their shoes. Rin's trepidation suddenly went away as he smiled at the two in front of him. He patted their heads and introduced his two friends.
"These are my friends from school, Leah and Zel" Rin said.
"Hello! Nice to meet you both," Leah chirped. Zel just nodded at the two children. His face still showing lingering disgust.
Leah turned to Rin and said, "I didn't know you had a younger brother and sister. They are so cute!" Rin gave a puzzled look and quickly corrected Leah.
"No, they are not my siblings. Ru and Arty were taken in by our guardian years ago." When Rin had moved in two years ago, Ruru and Arty were already living in the house. Rin had asked Kief about what happened to them and their parents, but he just told him they were orphaned, and ultimately, he took them in out of pity. Rin didn't think much more about it after that.
Ruru and Arty bolted out the front door to go play in the front yard, while Rin and his friends headed further into the house. He led them first through the dining room, where Kief was sitting at the wooden table writing in his notebook again. I wonder what he's been working on…Whatever it is, it's barely paying the bills, Rin thought.
Kief looked up from his notebook and arched an eyebrow at Rin.
"These are my friends from school, you mind if they stay over for a while? We won't be too loud, I can see you're busy…" Rin said as he pointed to the living room that adjoined the dining room.
Kief dragged his eyes from Rin and looked to Leah and then to Zel before looking back at Rin. "Sure, I don't mind. There's snacks in the kitchen if your friends are hungry." Kief returned to his notebook.
Snacks? Since when they could splurge on snacks? Rin thought and he almost fainted on the spot. Just a few days ago, Rin had to come running into the living room to yell at Kief for allowing the water heater to remain unfixed. He had been taking cold showers for a week and was beyond annoyed.
Rin shook his head and headed to the kitchen to retrieve the snacks before leading his friends into the living room to sit by the coffee table. Rin pulled three floor cushions out from the small hall closet, and they all sat down to enjoy the expensive snacks.
The three kept their voices at minimum level so as not to disturb Kief, who had yet to come up for air from his notebook. Leah had just begun to tell Rin and Zel about her favorite part of the movie they watched, when there was a swift knock at the front door.
Who could that be? Rin thought. Maybe it was their neighbors finally rallying together with pitchforks and torches, ready to burn this eyesore of a house down…
Another series of knocks sounded at the door. Kief didn't budge, never looking up from his notebook and Cura was nowhere to be found. Seeing as none of the other grown men who lived in this house bothered to get up to answer the door, Rin got up with an eyeroll, padded down the hall and opened the door.
When he opened the door, he was met face to face with a beautiful woman. She had shoulder length black hair and bangs that swept across her left eye. Her eyes were the color of emeralds. She wore light makeup and her lips were painted red. She stood on the doorstep staring at Rin, with her mouth agape. She finally remembered herself and suddenly closed her mouth but continued to stare at Rin.
Rin stared back but the hair on the back of his neck stood up. His body tensing.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Rin finally said.
The woman finally regained her senses and smiled. "Oh…Yes, I'm sorry to bother you, but my car…" The woman trailed off as she pointed to her car, currently parked in front of his home. "…I don't know what's wrong, it stalled…and I can't call anyone because my phone is dead." She looked at Rin sheepishly.
What did she expect a highschooler to do about that? Rin thought. Rin could ask Kief if he knew how to fix cars, but quickly dismissed the thought as soon as it came. He had never seen Kief do anything remotely handy and in fact, outside of seeing him work in his notebook and laptop, he didn't see Kief do much else except breathe the air around him and eat.
"Why don't you come in, you can use my phone," Rin said as he stepped back and opened the door wider.
The woman smiled and stepped inside. After closing the door, Rin led the woman inside the house and into the dining room where Kief sat. As soon as the two passed the threshold Kief's head snapped up as if he sensed them. Then something peculiar happened. Kief dropped the pen he was using to write in his notebook and straightened his back. He looked at the woman in surprise.
Rin looked at his guardian with furrowed brows and then looked to the woman next to him. She was also staring back at Kief intensely. It was as if something passed between the two of them, but no one else present in the room knew what it was. Rin then looked in the living room where Leah and Zel sat and saw they also were watching the silent showdown.
With a smirk slowly showing on his face Kief finally said, "uh, hello. I'm Kief Raggon, nice to meet you."
The woman also recovered for a second time that evening and smiled politely at Kief. "I'm sorry I never introduced myself earlier, but I'm Nessa Vasile." The two smiled at each other for another minute before Kief invited Nessa to sit down.
"Please have a seat, what can I do for you?" Kief had closed his notebook and placed it to the left side of the table. Rin's head was spinning. Kief sounded like a completely different person. Not only did he put away his notebook, but he was also being polite and talkative all of sudden. Rin had never witnessed this side of him, and it made him frown.
Rin cocked his head and told Kief, "Something is wrong with her car, she needs a phone..."
Kief didn't spare Rin a glance which made Rin clench his fist. He was about to speak again, when Cura entered the room. Just where has he been this whole time?
"Something wrong with your car? Mind if I take a look?" Cura said from the threshold of the room. Nessa looked back with a smile on her face and waited a beat before saying, "If you don't mind…"
Cura had a strange look on his face, but nodded and turned on his heel, walking down the hall towards the front door.
Rin returned to the adjoining living room and sat with Zel and Leah as they listened to Nessa and Kief speak.
"I don't mean to impose, my apologies. I was on my way to an appointment when my car suddenly decided to stop working," Nessa said as she chuckled. Kief smiled and shook his head.
"Would you like some tea? It's still hot," Kief said as he got up from his chair and walked into the kitchen. Rin suppressed the urge to roll his eyes.
"Thank you," Nessa said with a smile but then moved her eyes over to Rin. "I forgot to thank you earlier…What's your name?"
"Rin," Rin didn't say anything else.
"Do you have a surname, Rin?"
Rin started to open his mouth before Kief came back into the dining room and interrupted. "Ahh, it's the same as mine, Raggon. I'm his guardian." Kief sat a teapot in the middle of the table and placed a cup in front of Nessa before placing the other one in front of himself. Kief poured the tea expertly in each cup, before picking his up to take a sip. Nessa also picked up hers, humming in appreciation after taking a sip.
Kief then changed the subject, "So Nessa, it's pretty late to have appointments, isn't it? It must be something serious." Kief took another sip of his tea and looked at Nessa expectantly.
Nessa took another sip of her tea and answered with a smile, "In my line of work, most of my appointments are late. You see…I exorcise demons."
The air suddenly shifted and became heavy with tension.
There was a beat of silence before Leah whispered, "cool."
Not the word I would use, Rin thought to himself. Rin kept an indifferent expression on his face as Nessa continued. "Looks like I'll have to have someone replace me tonight. This family called for me because they believed an evil spirit lived in their home. You see their youngest daughter died a year ago, and since then, they say they can sometimes hear voices and crying coming from her her room. They bolted the door shut, but the spirit can even imitate their daughters voice…which frightens them." Nessa looked thoughtful for a moment and then shook her head.
Kief crossed one leg over the other and said, "That sounds terrifying. I'm sure these spirits don't always reveal themselves to you when you go to an appointment. How can you tell if there's really a demon or spirit inside a home?"
Nessa placed her elbows on the table and rested her head on her interlocked hands. "Hmm...I usually meditate before I begin an appointment in order to clear my head of any distractions. I find a spot in the house to sit in quiet and close my eyes." As Nessa spoke, she closed her eyes and then said nothing more. All eyes were on her.
After a while she spoke again, "Dark energy can come from humans or from evil spirits and demons. The dark energy that comes from evil spirits and demons, however, are pretty distinct."
Rin sat up as he stared at Nessa. Nessa still had her eyes closed with a serene look on her face as she continued.
"After I calm my mind, I focus on any fluctuations of dark energy felt in the house. These fluctuations can be heavy or slight, regardless, I can feel them. I always feel them."
Nessa opened her eyes and smiled. "Mr. Raggon, your house could use an exorcism."